It’s hard enough to make that life decision to go into a nursing home or assisted care facility but sometimes it’s the best and safest option we have when our loved ones get older and less able to care for themselves.  We have to trust that the nursing home or assisted care facility is going to be a safe and professional place where we can expect that our loved ones will be cared for without worry of harm.

Many nursing homes provide excellent care to their residents.  All too often, profit-making and expediency take priority over proper standards of care, safety and simple human decency. Untrained and underpaid employees are charged with the care of residents who are vulnerable because of the cognitive and physical impairments associated with old age or dependency. Those who reside in these facilities may be subjected to injuries or the indignities of sexual abuse.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 500,000 older adults over the age of 60 are abused or neglected each year. These numbers likely reflect just a portion of the real problem since many cases go unreported. 

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If a loved one has been hurt in a nursing home or assisted care facility, you may be able to bring an action to hold that facility accountable for its actions and to demand that the facility compensate you or your loved one for economic losses suffered and for intangible losses such as pain and suffering and loss of companionship.

Recognize The Signs

• Skin tears, bruising or scalding

• Bed sore, broken bones or other injuries

• Poor Hygiene or unsanitary living conditions

• Dehydration & malnutrition

• Sexual trauma

• Loss of mobility

• Psychological Issues or changes in behavior

Abuse of the elderly and those with disabilities is all too prevalent. Perpetrators may be those whom we trust to protect and care for our loved ones. The abuse can take many forms - physical, sexual, emotional or financial. This abuse can affect not only the victim but also betrayed family members.  Our elderly family members must be protected.  Those who abuse or take advantage of vulnerable adults must be held accountable for their actions.

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Because an abused victim often has personal ties to or is under direct care of the perpetrator, the victim is frequently hesitant to report these crimes. The victim may feel obligated to protect a family member, or maybe the victim lacks the mental or physical ability to communicate.  Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect of our loved ones, and to take action when necessary.

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Call us if you believe a vulnerable person has been subjected to abuse or neglect.

Pressure Sores | Malnutrition | Psychological and Physical Trauma